Nate Jones is a Lakeview High School senior, a two-sport athlete and an MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award winner. He was named to the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Dream Team in 2016 and is committed to play at Division I Eastern Michigan University. Periodically throughout the spring season, he will write a blog as part of a 'Prospect Diary' series.

No matter the season, no matter the sport, the middle of a season is always the most difficult.

For baseball, we play on average six games per week, and that's pretty close to what major leaguers play (although ours are three doubleheaders instead of a game every day).

When it comes down towards the end, it is a true grind. With six games a week, homework stacked on top of that, and even the end-of-year excitement for soon-to-be graduated seniors, it can be very tough to focus and stay motivated.

What keeps me going? The love for the game and my teammates.

Lakeview’s Nate Jones slides into second base while Loy Norrix’s Noel Cavey tries to get him out on May 15.(Photo: Stephanie Parshall/Enquirer file)

Baseball has been a part of my life for about 14 years now. I'm still learning many aspects of the game, but one thing that I did learn is that no matter how good or bad I play, I am truly blessed to be able to play the game of baseball. I love the feeling of being on that field every day and experiencing the ups and downs of baseball with the people I am closest with.

I am fortunate enough to say that I truly have some of the best teammates I could ever ask for, and they are guys that love the game just as much as I do. When I have teammates that have the same passion for baseball, it makes it that much easier to stay motivated and keep our grind going, because I know I am not alone.

From the great wins through the tough losses, we have been there for each other every step of the way. It's a brotherhood when it comes to Lakeview baseball. We have all learned that baseball will either reward you or humble you.

Through the mid-season grind, I can not thank my teammates enough for the amount of support they give, and I know they will always have my back through the humbling times in baseball. Like I wrote before, just go out there and have fun with it. The love of baseball - or whatever your sport is - and your teammates will always help get you through the tough times. You are never alone in sports.